Sydney's Long-Running Vegan Restaurant Bodhi Is Closing After 34 Years

Grab your plant-based pals for a final send-off. Sydney's long-running vegan institution Bodhi has announced its closing its doors after 34 years.

Known for creating delicious yum cha creating dishes out of organic, locally-sourced ingredients, Bodhi paved much of the way for fresh, seasonal vegan dining — as well as promoting the first female head chef in the yum cha industry. Notable diners through its doors include Keanu Reeves, Hugo Weaving, Toby McGuire and Novak Djokovic.

Its last day of service will be Sunday, August 7.

Bodhi owner Heaven Leigh said in a statement the decision was "bittersweet", but she wanted to end on a high. She thanked all the ardent fans of the eatery who had supported her family's business over the years.

"My family opened the first Bodhi Vegetarian Restaurant at a time when no-one really knew much about vegetarianism or veganism. No one thought - including ourselves - that we would make it past three years in this industry, let alone survive and thrive three generations and 34 years later," said Leigh.

 

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But she hinted at exciting future endeavours, iterating it was "not the end".

"I am incredibly passionate about the plant-based space and the community we have built. Thank you to everyone who has visited us, supported us and made our Bodhi dream a reality for more than three decades."

To enjoy Bodhi's famous vegan yum cha one last time, we'd recommend booking a table now. If the reaction on the restaurant's social media is anything to go by, spaces will be tight right up until that final service.

Bodhi's last day of service will be Sunday, August 7. To find out more about the closure, head to the eatery's Instagram.